Welcome to my first blog message
I am so excited in this my first entry in the Nurse Susan's Blog. It has been a long time awaited and I look forward to talking, discusing and addressing new issues in this Web site. I am priviledged to be here, to meet all of the people who grace our door and to be of sevice to everyone who needs my help, my perspective and or to answer questions from one who has been there. My perspective is truly unique given my background and experience and thus I am looked to as a voice of expertise.
So here goes....I wish to talk about being newly diagnosed with cancer. How are you feeling? You must feel sad, frightened, overwhelmed, frustrated . Most of us respond with 'lets get the plan in place, and lets go for it', Tell me what to do and how to do it and lets get going." There can be many tears and knots in the stomach, conversations with our spouses or significant others where we talk about 'how did we get here and how did this happen". How could this happen to me, and in some ways our bodies betray us and we are in shock. This shock leads to many days and nights of tears, laughter, prayers that then turn into productive meetings with our sugeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists and nursing teams. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, take notes, take someone with you to all of your appointments who can be that extra set of ears to remind you of all the fine details that cloud our minds. At night, after the kids go to bed, sit down with a piece of paper and map out your meetings, doctor appointments and make a list of questions that you may have so that everything you think of will be answered. First cardinal rule, there is no stupid questiion, and all of us need to ask and ask again for the new info to sink in , make sense and make it a part of us.
I am a firm believer in action plans and list making. At this point in time it is imperative. Once you make this list you will feel more in control and more organized. Allow us to be part of that action plan, make your appointmtent here so that we can gently guide you, listen, hold your hand and wipe your tears. Just meeting us will set your mind at ease to know that there are experts in the area of your new needs, this will allow you to move forward knowing that there are a group of people here who will become your new support team.
I look forward to talking with you on the phone (800.497.7005) or in the store.
Susan